We all know that mirrors are great for adding bling and indulging our vanity, but even more important than the mirror itself is where it's placed and what areas of the home it reflects. Even a simply-framed but perfectly-placed mirror has the magical quality of amplifying the good and capturing it like a photograph. Our house tours are full of inspiration!

Conversely, a poorly-placed mirror draws attention to the less desirable aspects of home. I was in a model home recently where a huge mirror reflected an unsightly vent and electrical box, and I was struck by how that one unfortunate misplacement distracted from what was otherwise a beautiful space. It made me wonder if what many of us design blog snobs write off as common knowledge may not be so widely known.

Thankfully, our house tour hosts have provided plenty of tips to take away:• Place mirrors adjacent from windows or in back of lamps to reflect and maximize light.• Angle mirrors in a way that they reflect the most beautiful details of the home. Sometimes this means facing a window with a great view, a great piece of art, or a special vignette.• Use multiple mirrors to break up an expanse of white space.• Use a large mirror to lighten a dark or heavy room.• Place a mirror to amplify the effect of a bold wallpaper or paint treatment in a tight space such as a hallway or entryway. It will make the wallpaper appear to go on and on.